Friday, July 6, 2018

Safari 2018 July 6th, 7th & 8th

July 6th Diamond Head N.P. Campground

Coastal Acacia in bloom along the walking track

We got away quite early after looking and finding the Tawny Frogmouth before we left. He was so well camouflaged as he slept in the Melaleuca tree. The bark of the tree exactly matched the bird's feathers. We were a little sorry to leave Diamond Head park by the beach. It was only a short drive north to Laurieton where we walked for an hour and a half out to Perpendicular Point through coastal bush. Again the Banksias dominated the walking path with some Acacias, Rice flowers and many other unknown bushes and flowers. The scenery was spectacular with waves lashing the rocky drops into the sea. The lookout was bright with a blue sky and sea.After lunch we came on here to Bonny Hills to a Big 4 Park....washing etc tomorrow I think. The beach here is not nearly so attractive as we have seen but we can hear the roar of the waves from our camp spot. We are now about 40km from Port Macquarie and all of a sudden this, this afternoon I have realised how much warmer it is. Could even sit outside to eat this evening and may be able to paddle in the sea tomorrow.July 7th. Port Macquarie

Aerial view of the Haven River entering the Pacific Ocean

By this time central Port Mcquarie was quite busy. The Info Centre was unable to offer much information of value to us. We did go into the adjoining Art Gallery which had a display of very modern works. Strangely the Duty Officer, after some 'chit chat', realised where we come from and announced he had been student at Scotch College when John attended. It is a small world!!After all this we found a pleasant venue for lunch. The water front is most attractive with many people walking, riding bicycles or scooters, leading dogs or running. We then proceeded to walk ourselves, and went for about 15 minutes along the path with everyone else. Eventually we came to the Skate Park which we found fascinating to watch the display of skills by the young chaps aged from about 9 years to 19 years. How they can handle those skate boards. We had to admire their skills.

The next place to visit was the Sea Acres National Park which protects an outstanding remnant of a littoral and subtropical rainforest. We thoroughly enjoyed the 1.3km loop board walk which took us well above ground through this wonderful forest of ferns including huge elkhorn ferns, cabbage palms, flooded gums, strangler figs, vines and lots of leaf litter which forms a valuable compost on the forest floor. The strangler figs grow on another plant but are not actually parasites. They form thick patterns up the trunk of the host tree and can be several hundreds of years old. A close up look at this very old forest was most enlightening. For those of you who do not know the meaning of 'littoral' ....from Google the definition is 'relating to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake'. Now er know as well! Our day was enjoyed thoroughly!